Drought-stricken farmers need cash, not talk: NDP By: Dylan Robertson JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Tom Johnson, a cattle farmer near Oak Point north of Winnipeg, is experiencing drought conditions. Meteorologists say the Winnipeg area has had only minor rainfall over the past month, during which much of Western Canada has faced a heat wave. The Manitoba NDP says the Pallister government needs to go beyond consultations and immediately provide cash to farmers facing a historic drought. The Manitoba NDP says the Pallister government needs to go beyond consultations and immediately provide cash to farmers facing a historic drought. "The government should respond and act immediately, right now, because thousands need the help today," NDP agriculture critic Diljeet Brar told reporters Monday.